New Executive Director of the SCAE

The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe is pleased to announce that it has appointed David Veal as its new Executive Director, effective January 4, 2011.

Mr Veal, who has 28 years experience in the coffee industry in the United Kingdom, was Director of ACS Coffee Service (which was sold to German roasting group Tchibo) before running for 17 years his own speciality coffee wholesale business, Café Sienna, which was eventually acquired by Miko Coffee of Belgium.

The former Chairman of the Beverage Standards Association of the UK, Mr Veal has been an SCAE member for seven years, and has served as well as a UK Barista Championship Judge, and as a member of the UKBC Committee.

“Having been involved for 28 years in an industry that I love, I am delighted to have the opportunity to put something back by joining the SCAE, which to my mind is the most influential body in the coffee market,” Mr Veal said, commenting on his appointment. “I am joining at an exciting time and look forward to meeting new friends and helping the SCAE become even more successful and influential in the future.”

Mr Veal succeeds the SCAE’s retiring Executive Director Mick Wheeler, who has served in the position since 2005.